Obesity in Horses Flashcards
What is obesity?
When excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative health impact.
How can you recognise obesity in the horse?
BCS
Crest neck score
Where does the horse accumulate fat the most?
Along the top, so you need to look at these areas in particular.
What is the problem with BCS?
It’s very subjective
How common is equine obesity? Which breeds is it most common in?
Growing epidemic Breeds: Draught type Cob type Ponies
Most common in animals that are used for pleasure and not ridden.
Describe the pathogenesis of equine obesity….
Evolved to rely on grass. During summer and autumn gain adiposity as they rely on fat stores in winter. However, lack of need to forage and lush food availability all year round leads to fat accumulations
HUSBANDRY PRACTICE MAIN CAUSE
What are the equine conditions associated with obesity…
Insulin dysregulation Exercise intolerance Abnormal reproductive performance Mesenteric lipoma Laminitis EMS Hyperlipaemia Orthopaedic issures
How can mother’d diet influence foetus risk of obesity in horses?
Obese mothers maintain higher conc of glucose and NEFA
Induces epigenetic changes in leptin gene
Possible permanent changes in:
+ Appetite control
+ Neuroendocrine function
+ Fuel metabolism
How can you induce weight loss?
Control calorie intake
Increase calorie expenditure
What is important to maintain when trying to control calorie intake in the horse?
DMI Restricting DMI can cause: Stereotypies Colic Gastric ulcers Dental problems
What is the problem with feeding a low forage diet when trying to control calorie intake in the horse?
Spend significantly more time chewing wood/wood shavings
+ Higher risk of simple obstructive and distention colics
+ Predispose horses to gastric ulcers
What are the pros and cons of feeding grass when trying to control calorie intake?
Pros:
Grass provides all the DMI required
Cons:
Can contain excessive calories
Can consume 3% bw in 3 hours
Deficient in minerals
How can you restrict grass intake in horses?
Time out at pasture
Geographical
Grazing muzzles
What should you feed if you can’t control grass intake in horses?
Hay @ 1.5% BW
If you have to feed concentrations to a horse when reducing calorie intake what should they consist of?
Substitute hay with chaff or uncolassed beet pulp
